Overall I give the place 5 stars for the service, 4 for the decor and 3 for the food. (My date said he would have given it a 3 for the atmosphere and a 4 for the food though...) SERVICE: I loved the kid that served us at lunch last week. It wasn't the kind of service where he was in your face every five minutes, nor was he inaccessible. He was there when you needed him and he was very helpful. He was also very polite and knowledgable about the menu. FOOD: (Well, I guess I may not get the full picture when I only eat the veggie plates.) It was tasty, but not the best I've had. My guy loved the taco plate he had (with the meat). ATMOSPHERE: A quiet cave-ish restaurant. We enjoyed a futbol game. It's a bit dingy, but also a bit romantic. Yes, both those things at once. Bring a date here and enjoy a tasty Michelada and a soccer game. Just not the first date. Maybe the third. :) read more

This place is always pretty empty when I go, but I don't know why! It is the perfect TexMex spot and I love that the wall paper is all just beer boxes. The food I have had is always great, the chips and salsa are on point, the margaritas are muy bien, and the price is right all around! One of the greatest things about this place though is the service. It is always the same nice, smiley guy who is super helpful and attentive. What a cutie! read more

Love the service the guys here r really respect full and treat the people rellay nice Best micheladas ive had ... read more

Cafe Hornitos - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

The veggie enchiladas were crispy and cheesy with the spinach and mushrooms piping hot. The beans on the side were good along with the salsa. They had avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce to balance the heaviness of the dish which was great. (It's surprising how many restaurants don't think to balance the richness of beans and enchiladas with something light). The rice was a little cold compared to everything else but that's my only complaint. The food was yummy and the tortillas came in the most adorable basket that had a tiny sombrero. The restaurant is a hole in the wall off the side of I-35, but it's a great cozy, family style atmosphere. The service was great. Ya can tell it's family owned so it's real casual. read more

Always great service! The staff is awesome and helpful, I always feel at home here, this is my spot! The frozen margaritas and fajitas are on point ! I love you cafe hornitos! read more

Honestly I was very disappointed. Tonight was my first time at this restaurant and at first glance it looks very authentic and humbling which typically is a good thing. They didn't bring out our appetizer until our food came out, my husbands plate was totally forgotten about so we had to wait another 15 minutes for them to make it. My cousin ordered RICE AND BEANS as a side when our food came out , 20 minutes later he reminded the waiter about the sides and he had forgotten about it so he went in the back to get it. I'm not sure if this is the kitchens fault ... or the waiter ... My husband asked for a canned sprite TWICE, didn't get it . And to top it off the WAITER WHO WAITED ON US , charged both of our parties for the same queso and appetizer. Sir please write it down , if you can't remember you can refer back to your notes. And if it's going to be difficult to split a check at the end please ask if there's going to be separate receipts. Bad 1st impression. Oh and it was a VERY slow night , probably 3 tables with no more than 4 ppl to one. read more

I have been here a hundred dozen times it seems. Always for breakfast. Never a complaint on their breakfast tacos or migas. Today I popped in for lunch. Hmmmmm. Good decision on my part. What's weird/cool is Jorge is always here!! I asked him today if he was the owner. No. His dad and uncle are. This is a big dive hole in the wall kinda joint that rocks. The chips are freaking fresh and they make the corn tortilla taco shells fresh. Total crisp!. The salsa has a nice bite. I ordered the tres grande taco plate for $6.99. That's it 3 large crispy tacos, nothing more. The taco's were 8" long!! I loved them, but, here's the thing. Order them cheese first on the shell. Don't let them sit too long cause they get soggy and the shell liquefies Gross!! ! Another plus: Hombre was scrubbing the floor like mad! I think these peeps are about clean! Love it. Fresh food, good food, just a little tweaking on the taco meat, and, boom! We can go five stars. read more

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This is a solid little tex-mex place. The food isn't incredible, but it's good. I would compare it to Maudie's. It also has what could be Austin's worst location; right across the highway from O's Cabaret (formerly The Crazy Lady) and the discount casket store. On the plus side, they're cheap, and their happy hour rocks ($2 Negra Modelo, anyone?). If you are looking for a quick, cheap, tasty dinner, I'd definitely recommend this one. Also, they could use the business, seriously. read more

I would agree that they could use more business but in a way, that is nice for a change. You can actually talk to the person you are with. The food is really good and truly hot like Mexican food "should" be served, the service can't help but be attentive at this point, the drinks are really great and ample. Also this place seems to be really clean in spite of a real mix of decor of past tenants. I have been there at lunch and at dinner a few times and it is consistently good. Next time....I am going to try out their breakfast. read more

It never occurred to me to try this place (was once upon a time Jade Palace) until some friends said it was actually quite good. I wonder how they stay in business because whenever I go (even on a Friday or Saturday night), it is never busy. Rarely will there be more than just a few other tables full. I've inquired before and they say they have a busy lunch crowd. The atmosphere is definitely lacking, but if you want good food at a reasonable price, this place is great. They have a great happy hour complete with a happy hour menu as long as you're drinking with most items priced at only a dollar. The tortilla soup is the best I've had anywhere, though I keep trying it at other restaurants in search of some as good. Just about anything with chicken is excellent, the meat is always plentiful and good. Haven't tried anything with beef other than the ground beef tacos. read more

I love this spot. Love it. I do not understand why it's always pretty dead in there (besides band nights), but who cares?? That means more room for me! I've never had a bad dish, and the servers are awesome and they are always there. You really get to know the people there, which I appreciate. It seems like family, not a chain with high turn over! Yay! read more

Chips are fresh light crispy best I've had in a while. Salsa is a little hot for this guerro. Mango margarita is killin it, tasted like fresh mango and on the backside just a hint of smooth tequila flavor! Futbol on the flat screen. Lunch special chose beef n cheese enchiladas. Delivered quickly to table. read more

Some friends and I went on a mini road trip to Austin which was cool, 6th street was fun. On the way back we had a mini debacle about where to eat so my friend randomly selected this place because we were closeby. I always feel sketchy about trying new places because im picky but i love fajitas so i was ok. The place looks old and honestly smelled a little like a bathroom to me (no one else thought the same), the decorations are pretty old ( like a authentic mexican taqueria). For me the water has a weird taste to it but I'm sure it's probably because it's tap (couldn't drink it). The salsa is ok, it does taste a little like tobacco sauce like another person on here said. Once the food arrived I was pleasantly surprised the presentation was very very nice. One of my friends ordered the migas and said they were very spicy so they switched foods with another friend who ordered the chicken sandwich. So the friend who ate the chicken sandwich said It was plain and the friend who ate the migas was sweating from the spicyness but loved the food. My fajitas looked beautiful, I was so happy. They tasted dry and didn't have much flavor lol ( I think crispy is just mexican style?). My other friend ordered quasadillas with Pico, when she took a bite her face turned red. She was suprised they put the Pico inside and not on the side. She returned the quesadilla for some without, wich the server did with no problem. After that she said they were really good. The best part of everything was the server. He was really nice and laid back. read more

Cafe Hornitos - Fajitas lookin good, but tastin a lil dry. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

I came to Cafe Hornitos with a buddy and ended up coming back 7+ more times and still coming back. It's friendly. The food is amazing. And the drinks are worth their share in gold. Get the top shelf marg. You won't regret it. 5 stars! read more

Love this laid back spot! Waitstaff are very pleasant and relaxed. Great breakfast tacos and enchiladas. You can taste quality ingredients are chosen and everything is always piping hot. To go orders are simple. The little entryway waterfall pond is charming. Prices are super reasonable. Glad we are locals to this spot! read more

Absolutely my favorite mexican place in Austin. The staff are professional and friendly, the drinks are excellent, and the food is so much better then all the tex-mex imposters you'll find around the city. The chips and salsa are rockin, the salsa is always fresh and the chips are hot and crispy. We always start with a queso and lately i've been addicted to their freshly-made stuffed jalapenos. The huevos rancheros are perfect, with one of the hottest ranchero sauces i've ever had, but the flavor is very well-balanced. And they serve the migas and the huevos rancheros all day! The taco plate is huge and perfectly seasoned. The chalupas mexicanas are spicy and come topped with fresh sliced avocado. The fajitas are excellent, the only lacking note might be that the flour tortillas don't seem to be homemade. They have vegetarian options for both rice and beans, which is great for many of my friends who don't eat meat. I love the enchiladas and have tried every sauce. They have a really good mole' sauce and the best chipotle sauce i've ever had. The cheese enchiladas are real cheese, which is important to me. The margaritas are perfect. The prices here are extremely affordable and the staff are incredibly nice and treat us like family every time we come in. I have yet to find better mexican food, at a better price, anywhere. LOVE! read more

Just discovered this place about a month ago. I highly recommend you order a top shelf margarita with hornitos tequila for $8. So far, I have eaten the enchiladas, cheese burger, queso flameado, and chips and queso and have 0 complaints. read more

Excellent service. Food is ALWAYS great- the place may seem very low key, but it's honestly one of Austin's best kept secrets.

The good folks at Hornitos give you honest old-school Austin Tex-Mex that's delicious with great service and you'll be shocked at how low the bill is. The food is excellent. The salsa is pretty hot, so if you're sensitive to that be careful before putting a big dollop on your meal. Otherwise, just go there already. read more

No. No. No. I will not be going back. First, as I've mentioned in the past, salsa is SUPER important to me. Cafe Hornitos has one of the worst salsas I've ever had. It literally tastes like tobasco sauce poured straight into a bowl. I guess some people may like this kinda salsa, but not me at all. And if I can't pour yummy delicious & spicy salsa all over my Mexican meal, anything forward pretty much is a no go. I only tried their breakfast tacos which you would think would be a no brainer. Something was just off. It's hard to describe, but I felt like the ingredients may have been a day or two past expiration if you get what I mean. Granted they are fairly descent in size, but the other Mexican restaurant across the street has tacos that are both cheaper and way more palatable. I did browse the rest of the menu, and descriptions look appealing for items like enchiladas and fajitas, but after trying their breakfast, I doubt I'll go back for any other meals. read more

We went on a night where there were several music acts playing to a group of buddies, which was both weird and insanely loud. The waiter couldn't hear us. My table communicated through non-verbal hand gestures, as a conversation was out of the question. The food was mediocre, and the margaritas were weak. I could not get out of there fast enough. Adios, Cafe Hornitos. No mas. read more

If you want authentic Mexican food at a great place....look no further than Hornitos. Great Enchiladas and awesome Margaritas.

Ordered delivery--food came (1+ hours wait) and was lukewarm. Saving grace was the breakfast tacos--cheap and filling and served all day.

Excellent food. Excellent service. The Hornitos Chicken was flavorful and hot. Their chips, salsa, and queso were delicious and their homemade corn tortillas were so good we bought a dozen to take home. Extra kudos to the very nice waiter who usually runs the show there. Very professional and prompt. read more

I really like this place. The food is nothing amazing, but it's solid and does the job when you're in the mood for Mexican food (I often go here relatively late at night). The waiters are friendly and quickly remember your face and your order. The prices are great. read more

I get breakfast tacos here pretty regularly and this place is solid. Staff is extremely friendly and the prices are awesome!

First Mexican Place I have ate when i moved here from NY....good food, service was great, they are usually pretty dead but i guess they still do ok to be opened. I have never been in there when It was busy. its decor is interesting makes good for FB photos. They will liquor you up...they don't cheat u. Overall a good Mexican place and the food is perfect. read more

It pretty funny, i drive by this place often and have never stopped in there. I was looking for a place to get a quick bite to eat. I went there for lunch and had the lunch special. It had a cheese and beef enchilada. The beef was very flaverfull. The star of the dish was they made home made jalapino poppers and those were awsome. For sure will go back. read more

Service was over the top amazing! Unfortunately my food didn't taste as great. If youre looking to just hang out and drink, come here! If you want good food however, there are better options out there. Food is just my opinion, don't let my review decide if you want to come here or not. I am willing to give this place another try one day. read more

The place was empty when we got there so I started to worry a bit, bit it was late in the middle of the week. I'm glad we ate there because we really enjoyed our meals! My bf had the flautas plate and I the veggie enchiladas. Great flavors and super friendly service! read more

This location has had several incarnations which adds to its curious architecture. Mexican restaurant superimposed on Chinese decor over the original Alpine A frame which housed a pizza place. The food here is good and inexpensive. The service is superb! Reasonable prices and pleasant atmosphere. Good variety on TexMex menu. Napalitos on breakfast menu. read more

Everything you could want in a locally owned Mexican restaurants. Good food, really great fajitas, strong/tasty/affordable drinks. Super friendly waiters who try to get to know you. Highly recommend the La Parillada Hornitas (fajitas with chicken, beef, shrimp, and sausage) and the Hornitos Margarita! read more

Great service! FAST! Single tacos start out at $1.90+! They also have great combos!!! If your looking for a cheap cuisine this is the spot!! Oh and before I forget...Margaritas (Strong) are $3 from 3-7pm Mon-Fri! Enjoy read more

I can't help it! This place is great. I love to come here and relax and have a great meal. You get get great service also! The fajita meal for 2 is so delicious and you get an awesome amount of food for a reasonable price! But everything I have tried there is really good. I'm making myself drole right now. hehe. read more

Stopped in for a quick bite on the way downtown. Restaurant was empty except for the bar. Ordered the evening special, carne guisada and a Corona. Wife ordered cheese enchiladas, a taco and a mexican martini. Food came out quickly which was great, we were short on time. I must have been given the last of the carne guisada. I had just been talking to my wife earlier in the week about never having bad carne guisada. Wrong. Super salty gravy and fatty chunks of beef. The rice and beans were cold. Beer was great. My wife's enchiladas plate was much better but her martini was half olive juice and salty. We had to fly out of there for a concert but won't be back. read more

Absolutely horrible service, server was extremely rude and disrespectful. Asked for hot sauce 3 times and it took him the forth time around to give it so us. Kept on bringing us salsa when we had no chips. read more

no salsa for my to-go order and customers were wandering around without masks.

My husband and I have continued to go into Austin on an occasional Friday evening to hear the LIVE MUSIC at Hornitos, and eat and drink their tasty menu offerings while we visit with other friends who join us there to hear the music. The rest rooms are very clean, there is parking out back and up front, the food is cheap and tasty and the drinks are yummy! The wait staff is also very attentive. It isn't crowded and we like that. read more

Nice people work there and I hope we just hit them on an off nite, but it is one of the least appealing meals I've had in Austin since 1985. It was one of the few times in Austin (where I love the food, especially the good cheap food), that my wife and I were worried about the food---it was that poorly cooked, poorly spiced, and greasy. I hope they get their act together in the kitchen . read more

This place is my Tex-Mex fix! Been coming here for years and always rely on it to have fast, friendly service with a great happy hour. Cheap margaritas! Usually just sit down for some nachos but the mushroom quesadilla is hard to top. They have the traditional combo plates to choose from but the mole is the best dish overall! read more